First Look: Hevi-Metal Xtreme Waterfowl Loads

by
posted on August 8, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
MAIN Hevi Metal Xtreme

Hevi-Shot has launched a new product line for waterfowl hunting: the all-new Hevi-Metal Xtreme. These loads feature a layer of Hevi-Shot’s original 12 g/cc Hevi-XII tungsten pellets (30 percent) stacked over steel pellets (70 percent) in the same shell. The new loads also feature the Flitecontrol Flex wad for consistent long-range patterns with high velocities. These new loads are available in four total options, in both 12- and 20-gauge.

“For 2023, Hevi-Metal Xtreme is our new product that I am most enthusiastic about,” said Hevi-Shot product manager Scott Turner. “Our original Hevi-Shot 12g/cc density tungsten shot stacked on top of precision steel pellets certainly makes for a powerful load. That leading layer of 12 g/cc density tungsten hits 53-percent harder than the steel layer.”

Two product design elements really combine to drive Hevi-Metal Xtreme's performance. The dense, 12 g/cc tungsten pellets are three shot sizes smaller than the steel pellets to ensure the two layers of different shot types have similar downrange performance. The Flightcontrol Flex wad, meanwhile, is a rear-braking wad designed to improve pattern density and consistency. It can be used with any steel-rated choke—ported or non-ported alike.

“We took our Pattern Density Technology one leap forward by utilizing the venerable Flitecontrol Flex wad,” continued Turner. “I think the Flightcontrol Flex wad is the magic ingredient that makes this load even more impressive. I am extremely confident that any hunter that tries it will agree.”

Hevi-Metal Xtreme consists of four total load options, which are: 12-gauge, 3-inch, 1-1/4-ounce at 1,450 fps (No. 4 tungsten and No. 1 steel); 12-gauge, 3-inch, 1-1/4-ounce at 1,450 fps (No. 6 tungsten and No. 3 steel); 20-gauge, 3-inch, 1-1/16-ounce at 1,350 fps (No. 4 tungsten and No. 1 steel); and 20-gauge, 3-inch, 1-1/16-ounce at 1,350 fps (No. 6 tungsten and No. 3 steel).

For more information on these new shotshells, available in 25-round boxes, check out hevishot.com. MSRP: $59.99

Latest

Lead Photo H2H
Lead Photo H2H

Head to Head: The 9.3x62 vs. 9.3x74R

A battle of 9.3mms. While this particular caliber never really caught on here in the states, it may be time for this old safari favorite to find its way into a few more gunrooms. Check out more about them here.

RCBS Released 7mm Backcountry Reloading Die

RCBS has announced the launch of its new 7mm Backcountry Die Set. Engineered specifically to meet the demands of reloading this high-performance cartridge, the RCBS 7mm Backcountry Die Set is a unique three-die system that includes a neck sizer die, expander die and bullet seater die. The set delivers enhanced control, consistency and accuracy when reloading the 7mm BC and the patented Peak alloy cartridge case.

Hodgdon Launches Accurate High Country Powder for 7mm Backcountry

Hodgdon Powder Company have introduced Accurate High Country, an all-new spherical rifle propellant engineered for the performance demands of today's modern magnum cartridges, including Federal's new 7mm Backcountry.

IWC and Guidefitter Honor 2026 Game Warden of the Year

International Wildlife Crimestoppers (IWC), in partnership with Guidefitter, named Senior Conservation Officer Meghan Roos of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game the recipient of the 2026 IWC Guidefitter Game Warden of the Year Award. Officer Roos received the award during International Wildlife Crimestoppers’ annual conference in July.

#SundayGunday: Chiappa USA Rhino 60DS

On this week's #SudnayGunday, we’re checking out the Chiappa Rhino 60 DS. All it takes is once glance to tell this is not your granddad’s revolver. Chiappa has flipped the script on wheelguns quite literally, aligning the barrel with the bottommost chamber of the cylinder, rather than the top. This low bore axis makes the gun recoil directly back into the hand, rather than pulling the muzzle up and away from your grip. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Shooting Close: How to Play the Short Game

The trend these days is to “go long” but the truth is, if you’re doing it right, most shots taken by hunters are anything but long range. You’re better off practicing your short game.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.